Originally posted by BnyBen:
OK, I have been installing for curcuit City for four years. The the stereo you got is a good choice, much better than the stock one. You have two options. The guy you talked to is partially right. You have to either bypass the amp with a $15 Metra plug sold at curcuit or most any other Car audio stores. It wires right up in back of the radio. This sometimes works, but is much more prone to blow your radio, because it will be using both amps. We never usually do this in amplified Stangs Contours etc. What we use, and what you should get is a Perepheril Ford AD A Head plug. It is specifically made for this setup. It lowers the signal from the new head unit to counteract the amount of the factory one. You will still be getting your full output of the new radio. I have had this plug in my tour with my Kenwood Excelon radio for years now. Sounds great and I've never had any problems. The plug is $45 and you can get it at Curcuit. Its a little more but its worth it to do it right. It just wires up behind the radio simple and easy. Try That. Hope that helps.


p.s. I will admit, some people at some Curcuit Cities are out to screw you to make a buck, but don't worry I'm one of the good guys he he...



Bynben, you're partially right. There are three ways to wire an aftermarket stereo to the Contour w/factory amp:

(1) "Regular Harness" - This method sends the amplified signal from the aftermarket unit into the factory amp. It will sound like poo, and can shorten the life of the factory amp. Most BB/CC installers incorrectly install the stereo in this manner because they are unaware of the factory amp or just don't care.

(2) "Factory Amp Integration Harness" - This method converts the amplified signal from the aftermarket HU into a pre-amp level signal. The factory amp then reamplifies the signal. This is the $45 harness/converter you're referring to. I wouldn't recommend using this if you're after the best possible sound. Just about any decent aftermarket HU will have an internal amp that is light years better than the Ford factory amp in both power output and distortion.

(3) "Bypass Harness" - This method uses a harness which completely eliminates the Ford factory amp. The amplified signal from the aftermarket HU goes directly to the speakers. This is THE method to use for best performance. Everyone, myself included, who has used this method has reported a significant improvement over methods #1 and #2. There have been at least 20-25 posts reporting significant improvement over the last few years. The only reliable source for this harness has been Crutchfield, although people have found other sources too.

1999 Ford Contour SVT #900/2760 (SOLD) 2005 Mazda 6s 2003.5 Mazdaspeed Protege 1998 Ford Ranger 4x4